Comments on: St. Petersburg Pier

By: Robert Gift

Robert Gift — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:12:39 +0000

Parallel to the road to the pier a railroad track headed eastowards the water.
At each grade crossing, a pipe extended up from one of the two crossing signals. A clear glass lamp topped the pipe.
What did that light do?
Near each crossing, on a pole I found a box from which a small wooden knob protruded. When there was no traffic, I pulled the knob not knowing exactly what would happen.
The signals operated! Thankfully no bells!
When the left red (o)”||”(o) illuminated, the white light lit. Curiosity and train buff satisfied, I quicky I turned the signals off.
Feelinguilty, I left the scene of the crime. But I could not resist waiting for another lull in traffic and turned on the signals at the next crossing.
What excitement for a young boy! (The light would indicate to a train crew thathey left a signal operating.)

By: Robert Gift

Robert Gift — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:18:59 +0000

Thank you.
My view was only from the pier. Not as I remembered which likely was embellished byouthful distortion and time. Were there not turrets in the west corners? I vaguely recall that pink building to the north.
Funny how they insert the boats into the “picture”.

By: Robert Gift

Robert Gift — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:51:35 +0000

Thank you so much.
When I discovered the inverted pyramid monstrosity had replaced the pink fantasy castle, I was appalled. I recall it from late 50′s to early 60′s visits.
If they replace it, I hope it will have an area underneath in which people can sit in shade and enjoy the view and breeze.
Do they still have the famous green wood slat park benches?
My wife is from Yantai and was homesick to visit.
Hot and humid, dirty and NOISY. Cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and mopeds CONSTANTLY honking horns – not in anger but to warn, ‘I’m coming through’. 99.9% not needed. They even honk throughout the night when everyone has their windows open to admit cool breezes into their hot apartments.
And they all stick their chopsticks in the dishes of food and eat directly from the platters!! Yuck! (Before anyone contaminates the food, I place food on small plates.)
Soon, we return to clean, clear-skied, cooler andryer and quieter Denver.

By: Hilton Kean Jones

Hilton Kean Jones — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:28:10 +0000

Here's a link to a postcard from the era of the "Million Dollar Pier," which is the one I think you're remembering (there were a couple previous incarnations--a fact I didn't know until now): Million Dollar Pier, from Woodland Shoppers Paradise--Favorite Places Part 9.

By: Hilton Kean Jones

Hilton Kean Jones — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:19:17 +0000

Enjoyed reading your recollections! I, personally, don’t have any photos of the old pier, but I’ll bet there’s some online, somewhere. I’ll look around and post some links here in the comments for this post. There are a couple structures near the existing pier that I believe date from the time of the old pier and have the same castle-like, rough, formed-concrete look. One is an old, old round bathroom structure that bears an unfortunate resemblance to one of the old churches in town from that era. The other is the old “Fountain of Youth.” You might not know this if you’re currently living in China, but the St. Pete city council and major have decided to tear down the existing pier! There’s considerable community resistance to this (myself included). I hope it can be preserved. But, as things now stand, it’s to be replaced with some, unknown, structure. Thanks for commenting, Robert. I just checked Google maps to see where Yantai is; it looks like it must be a beautiful location with great seafood!

By: Robert Gift

Robert Gift — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:05:37 +0000

Any photos of the old pier? I remember it looking like a castle.
As a little boy from Pittsburgh, PA visiting my grandparents, Frank Graham, the firstime I ever swam in saltwater was at the beach on the north side of the pier. One time accidentally swallowed water and immediately vomited. Pointed out the floating vomit mat but someonelse swam right through it – ah, the memories of a 6-year-old boy.
We went to a store which had mechanical mermaids you could talk to. I discovered the woman looking at us through a small opening in a wall behind us.
She could hear our questions and did the voice of the mermaids answering our questions.
Any photos or explanation?
Thank you.
Robert Gift
Posted from Yantai, China, 6 p.m. Monday, September 6th, China time = 6 a.m. Tampa time

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:16:43 +0000

What a comprehensive look at The Pier that we all love so much in downtown St. Petersburg! GREAT review. Found it while Googling for something else and just read it today. (March 6, 2009).

Thanks, again!

Susan Robertson

By: Lucy

Lucy — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:48:39 +0000

I remember walking out on the St. Pete Pier when I was quite young. At the time, there wasn’t much more than a lot of old men sitting on benches, talking over old times. I’m so happy to see it come back to life, and your articles helps me to see that. Mahalo!